Crystal began playing the flute in school band when she was 10 years old, and it quickly became her favorite activity. During high school she involved herself in as many opportunities as she could, from being a member of the Quad City Youth Symphony, to the Illinois All-State Honors Ensembles, being the drum major of her high school marching band, and also attending Interlochen Arts Camp for a summer. After graduating, Crystal attended Northern Illinois University where she obtained a bachelor degree in flute performance, in the year 2000.
Since then, Crystal has enjoyed building her reputation in the Quad City area as a performer, adjudicator, and teacher. She is the principal flutist of the Clinton Symphony Orchestra and the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, and has been a member of the Sterling Municipal Band for over 30 years. Crystal has also been a member of Grace Notes Flute Quartet since 2005. She lives in Davenport with her husband Josh, who is also a professional musician, and their son Chauncey.